ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST, fairer in form than the children of men, joined by GOD the FATHER to the Church, is to be blessed. [The Psalm] must be read to understand Matthew. The Prophet speaketh concerning the Queen of the South. The Voice of the FATHER concerning the SON by the Prophet, setting forth the repentance of His people. The Prophet speaketh concerning CHRIST to the Church. The Church is described as the Bride of CHRIST.

VEN. BEDE. The Prophet, replenished with celestial meats, promiseth that he will announce the tidings of the LORD’S Incarnation; that thence, whence he himself was satiate, others also might be fed. The first part of this epithalamium contains the praises of the Bridegroom: that is, of the LORD the SAVIOUR, in four ways. In the first, My heart hath indited a good Word. In the second part, the Bride the Church is praised for a like number of mystic virtues: Hearken, O daughter, and consider.

SYRIAC PSALTER. A Psalm written by the Sons of Korah in the time of Moses. The apparition of CHRIST, and concerning the Church, and of the glorious virtue of the LORD.

S. JEROME. The whole Psalm is referred to CHRIST, of Whom the FATHER saith in the Gospel: “This is My Beloved SON, in Whom I am well pleased.” Or the Psalm contains the Sacrament of spiritual marriage; that is, the union of CHRIST with the Church: it begins then with the Voice of the FATHER.